Open AccessWhat is quality in maternity care? An international perspective
Author(s) -
Pittrof Rüdiger,
Campbell Oona M. R.,
Filippi Véronique G. A.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.1034/j.1600-0412.2002.810401.x
Subject(s) - medicine , maternity care , perspective (graphical) , quality (philosophy) , psychological intervention , nursing , outcome (game theory) , medical care , medline , pregnancy , family medicine , philosophy , mathematics , mathematical economics , epistemology , artificial intelligence , computer science , political science , law , genetics , biology
This paper delineates important considerations for having a better understanding of quality in maternity care. High quality requires providing a minimum level of care to all pregnant women and their new born babies and a higher level of care to those who need it; obtaining the best possible medical outcome of mother and baby; providing care which satisfies users and providers; and maintaining sound managerial and financial performance. While all these aspects are important, prioritizing among interventions to improve them will be influenced by cultural values, expectations and available resources.